TE AROHA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2153, 27 April 1886, Page 2

TE AROHA.

(from our own cobbjcspowdent., T« Aboha, Monday. Thk starting of Fergusons battery, an event which has been long looked forward to, and in connection with which them have been so many disappointments, in now an accomplished fact. After a few preliminary tests the machinery was fairly set in motion vn Thursday last, and has since then been kept going continuously during ordinary working noun. Ou Friday tho plant was inspected by a number of the townspeoi le, and by Mver<il visitors who cuine by the excuibinn tiaiu on that day, and the opiuiou generally expressed is that the whole of the arrangements are excellently adapted for the work to be performed. The machinery will thoroughly reduce over 200 tons of ore weekly, and though nothing can be said yet positively as to its gold-saving capabilities, there seems to be very little room for doubt that in the treatment of ouch quartz an exists on the Waiorongoiiui Held, where the gold as a rule is unusually tine, it will prove to be greatly superior to the older method in use there. If it accomplishes what is expected of it a revolution will be effected in goldmining in this district, and the dullnes* that has ao long prevailed in that industry wilt be succeeded by a Period of steady prosperity. The company owning the plant have, it is reported, purchased the Premier mine, recently advertised fur sale. They also acquired some time ago the claim adjoining, formerly known at the Vulcan, and in both they have abundance of quartz which, under the old method of manipulation, could not be made to pay. If these reefs cau now be profitably worked, the present deserted aspect of that part of the field will quickly be transformed into a scene of life and activity. The religious observance of Good Friday and the Sabbath-like stillness which usually characterises that day were somewhat rudely interfered with by the arrival of the excursion train from Auckland, which brought some tive hundred passengers to the town. Consequently the lively appearance of the streets waa more suggestivo of a gala day than of a religious holiday. The train arrived shortly after one o'clock, and the visitors were quickly dispersed over the town and about the domain, the baths, of course, being the chief centre of attraction. Beautiful weather prevailed and added greatly to the pleasure of the excursionists during their short stay. Most of them returned by the train at 6.30 the same evening, but a considerable number remained, and were all comfortably housed in the various hotels and boarding houses. The sports and pastimes to which Easter Monday is generally devoted, do not on this occasion find a place in th? programme of the day's proceedings here. The majority of those on pleasure bent went off by rail this morning to attend the Auckland race meeting, and this being the first opportunity since the opening of the line that the townsfolk have had for travelling at such low rates a goodly number availed themselves of the chance of a cheap trip to the metropolis. This evening there will be a concert to aid in paying off the debt on S. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. Ladies from Auckland have arrived to render assistance, and the entertainment is likely to be a very attractive one and to contribute largely towards the object for which it is being got up. Some disappointment was felt here at the breaking off of the lawn tennis match, which was to have taken placo on our central ground, between representatives from the Thames, Hamilton, and Cambridge clubs. Those fond of tho game looked forward to the pleasure of witnessing some excellent play, and the match would have excited a good deal of interest here. It is hoped that arrangements may be made so that it may yet take place.